As we ring in the new year, many of us are familiar with the cycle of making resolutions, especially when it comes to health and weight loss. For busy moms—and dads, too—this often means vowing to exercise more, eat healthier, and “finally” get disciplined.
This year, let’s make setting resolutions to lose weight a thing of the past by effectively treating obesity instead of focusing on quick fixes.
“Obesity is a disease,” explains Dr. Shauna Levy, Bariatric Surgery Specialist at Tulane Weight Loss Clinic. “It’s never been about discipline, motivation, or strictly diet and exercise. Yes, those elements play a role, but they’re not everything.”
Research consistently shows that even under ideal circumstances—meticulously planned meals, structured exercise programs, and professional coaching—most people achieve only about a 4-5% reduction in total body weight. For individuals with more significant weight loss needs, this is rarely enough to improve health outcomes. “The truth is, it was never going to work for most people,” Dr. Levy states. “It’s time we stop blaming ourselves and start treating obesity as the complex medical condition that it is.”
We’ve entered an era with a broader range of treatment options than ever before. From medications to surgery, medical interventions offer new solutions for those struggling with their weight.
Medications, such as the popular GLP-1 receptor agonists, work by suppressing appetite and targeting hormonal pathways. But they’re not the only options. There are also more affordable pills available, making treatment accessible to a wider range of patients. “We can help you figure out what’s best for you, whether that’s medication, surgery, or a combination of approaches,” Dr. Levy notes.
Bariatric surgery remains a highly effective option for those who prefer a more permanent solution or who haven’t seen the desired results with medications. Surgery suppresses appetite and reduces calorie absorption, addressing weight loss from multiple angles. Dr. Levy points out that while medications are often a lifelong commitment, bariatric surgery provides a one-time intervention with lasting results.
It’s important to note that these treatments aren’t just for busy wives, moms, or bachelorettes. Husbands, fathers, brothers—anyone struggling with obesity can benefit. “This is about treating a disease, not assigning blame,” Dr. Levy stresses. “And just like with any other disease, the earlier you address it, the better your outcomes will be.”
This year, instead of focusing on guilt or discipline, consider focusing on health and the medical solutions available to you. Dr. Levy reminds us, “Wouldn’t it be nice to go into Carnival season without feeling guilty about what you ate or drank? Or to not feel like you’re battling cravings all the time?”
Obesity treatments can help alleviate those struggles, giving you a new relationship with food and your body. It’s not about creating a “new you.” It’s about embracing the person you already are—just healthier, happier, and free from the cycle of self-blame.
Let this be the year to break the cycle. If you’ve been doing the same thing over and over with no success, maybe it’s time to try something different. Talk to a specialist and start treating obesity as the medical condition it truly is. Call 504-988-2274 or visit tulaneweightloss.com to start exploring your options today!
